Lusine ICL– A Pseudo Steady State (Album – Ant-Zen)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Experimental, Electronic, Industrial-Lounge.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Jeff McIlwain has released an impressive number of productions as Lusine ICL. This work brings us back to the early beginning as it’s a re-release of “A Pseudo Steady State” which was originally released in 2000 on CD by U-Cover.

Content: This album remains a true visionary work for the unique sound mixing elements of Lounge music together with a darker touch I prefer to call Industrial. The tracks are driven by slow tempos while featuring minimal sound treatments, space-sounding bleeps and an Experimental touch on top.

+ + + : The debut album of Lusine ICL remains to me one of the most noticeable ones; a true sonic challenge wherein an artist dares to innovate and mix opposite influences together. It sounds like music for Summer although there’s an exciting, darker, touch deeper inside which I absolutely like. “Mod” is an absolute masterpiece.

– – – : A challenge is always risky and especially when merging opposites together so it might take time before you get into it.

Conclusion: This work has a surreal sound approach which I highly recommend to (re)discover.

Best Songs: “Mod”, “Freak”, “Lazydayz”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/lusine.official

Label: www.ant-zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

Listen to “A Pseudo Steady State” below:

A Pseudo Steady State by Lusine Icl

About Lusine ICL

Lusine ICL is an early recording alias of American musician Jeff McIlwain, who later continued his electronic music career under the shortened name Lusine. As Lusine ICL, McIlwain mixed Lounge-influenced melodies with a darker, Industrial-leaning production style and Experimental sound treatments.

“A Pseudo Steady State” was first released on CD by the Belgian label U-Cover in 2000. Ant-Zen reissued the album as an 11-track digital release on February 7, 2023, bringing McIlwain’s debut full-length back into circulation under the Lusine ICL name reviewed here.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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Lusine icl – Travel Sickness (EP – Ant-Zen)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Experimental.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Jeff Mcilwain has released an impressive discography under the Lusine moniker. “Travel Sickness” was originally released in 2006 and featured on a massive compilation box by Hymen Records.

Content: The work features 4 tracks inviting the listener to join in for a dreamy, evasive sound trip. The work features less sound layers but is driven by the magic of less sound treatments while carried by slow rhythms.

+ + + : I like the wafting sensation emerging at the top of this record. It sounds cold and yet it has something healing. The tracks have been accomplished with subtle sound treatments while the downtempo cadence makes it all more accessible.

– – – : It remains a fully Experimental and Minimal-like recording which might catch the attention of a restricted number of fans.

Conclusion: A subtle experiment which was good to bring back alive.

Best songs: “Abaft”, “Act 2”.

Rate: 7.